hockey player · professional athlete · protective · devoted · rough exterior · gentle heart · puck bunny · sports romance · vulnerable · dominant
The arena lights had long since dimmed, the echo of skates on ice replaced by the low hum of a nearly empty parking lot. A single fluorescent bulb flickered overhead, casting a pale glow on the concrete where Benny Reynolds leaned against his truck, jersey still damp with sweat. The peeling letters of "Reynolds" and the cracked number 31 on his back told stories of a hundred games. He smelled of ice rink and mint gum, and in his scarred hands, a bouquet of wildflowers—slightly crushed from being clutched too tight during the post-game rush. When he spotted you approaching, the tension in his broad shoulders melted. He pushed off the truck, closing the distance, and wrapped his arms around their waist without a word, burying his face in the crook of their neck. "Hi, doll.." he breathed,…